Local schools hoping to take part in the scheme are St Andrews, West End and St Oswald’s primary schools.

Michael Jackson, of the Rotary Club, said Rotakids is an ‘exciting way’ for children under the age of 12 to ‘lead and engage in important, lively activities that will make a positive difference in their school, local community and globally’.

The scheme also aims to develop their ability and confidence to to ‘take up their place in society as responsible, successful, effective citizens both now and in the future’.

Ideas for Rotakids projects include fundraising for charity, leading on school and local community projects, improving the environment, planting spring bulbs, helping the elderly and helping children in another country.

Mr Jackson said: “West End Primary School are keen to get started and the Nepal crisis has given them the opportunity to fundraise, which is a typical project for Rotakids.

“The pupils have raised the magnificent sum of £570 which will provide a much needed Shelter Box for the devastated area.”

Mr Jackson said with many youth schemes being organised at Rhyddings Business and Enterprise school it will fall on former West End pupil Zak to ‘lead the way on Rotakids’.

Mr Hargreaves said: “Our Rotary club is delighted with the progress we are making in developing Rotakids in the Oswaldtwistle area. We see this as a valuable contribution and an offshoot to the Rotary Organisation.

“In Zak Khan our young Rotary recruit we are confident he will succeed in making Rotakids a huge success”.